Zelensky’s despair grows as Trump turns towards Russia with diesel deal

Diesel deal draws Zelensky’s warning

Trump said Washington would lift sanctions to trade diesel with Russia, aiming to lower US energy prices ahead of next month’s midterm elections. Zelensky said the deal could not make up for the effects of the Strait of Hormuz closure on global markets.

“It will put more money straight into Putin’s pocket to fund this war,” Zelensky told a press conference. The announcement came as Trump repeatedly criticised the Ukrainian leader and said dealing with Putin was easier.

Strikes and ceasefire dispute

Trump called Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil refineries a “disgrace,” saying they were raising global oil prices. Kyiv accused Moscow of failing to observe Trump’s so-called “energy ceasefire”; Russia had continued strikes on Kyiv and other cities during the week. The US president’s criticism added to tensions between the two leaders, whose relationship reached a new low on Friday.

Sanctions and satellite concerns

Ukraine’s leadership was alarmed by disruptions to Starlink intelligence feeds. Officials reported trouble flying terminals that play a vital role in intercepting Russian attacks. Trump was reportedly considering lifting sanctions on Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers. A Treasury Department official told the Financial Times the administration was weighing permission to sell blacklisted vessels to “legitimate” operators and allow them to trade globally.

Ukraine seeks European support

At an EU summit, Zelensky said the war could cost Ukraine another €155 billion next year and that Kyiv would need €70 billion in European support. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal told Reuters the EU would probably need to provide a new loan to help cover Ukraine’s budget gap.

Michal said last winter had been “hell” and warned the coming winter would be the same. Separately, Dmitriev said Russia and the United States were discussing joint data centre projects, potentially using electricity from Russian nuclear power plants.